Author
Topic: Huntingfool7 2017-2018 season (Read 6335 times)

Started the season in North Dakota on a short trip. Started with a couple sets on the first day and added to them almost until I pulled the line at the end of the week. Very first night, I had a footprint on the jaw and into the space between the jaw and the pan. Needed a half an inch to the left and I'd of had him. Ended the week with four total, two in #3 Montgomery offsets and one in a MB 650 rubber jaw. The fourth was shot on sight.

Then added this pair at two sets, 20 yards apart. One was a step down set in a #3 Montgomery OS. The other with the big catch circle was taken at a large dirt hole set guarded by a MB650 rubber jaw. That set was the one that a coyote left a print on the trap jaw on the first night.

I'm going to be adding another dozen or two of the Montgomery #3 offsets for the next trip. Originally meant them for the higher risk section line roads to protect my expensive rubber jaw 650s from theft. I hate to say it but I prefer setting and bedding the Montgomerys over the 650's. Seem to take a little less work and it goes a little quicker. They are also less than half the money.

I'm running 2-1/2 to 3 pounds of pan tension on both traps. The 650's caught 0 skunks while the Montys caught 5. I believe the geometry of the pan treadles is the difference. I'd rather thin the stinkers out while I'm there. They are abundant and hard on nests/chicks. We never go a season without the dogs getting sprayed.

@machias You were asking about rubber jaw preferences on another thread. I have MB 650s and Jakes. Between the two, I prefer the Jakes. Both are very strong rubber jaw traps. My partners lab managed to get caught in the 650s twice while pheasant hunting. He just couldn't resist the lure and seemed to make a bee line for the sets whenever they got close. Both times he was released without injury. I didn't bring the Jakes to ND. They are a little larger framed and use a different pair of One Hand Setters.

Thanks!! I ended up getting a doz 550 RJ. Hate them compared to the Cast Jaws, but we use what we gotta use! Thanks for the thoughts on the rubber jaws, I really appreciate it!! Looking more and more like I will be moved over to Idaho by spring. Can't wait to run a line over there next year!! Good luck!

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Fred Moyer

History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid.